Couch to 5k - Week 4

Haven't posted an update for awhile.  Just wanted to share some thoughts with you on this whole process.

1.  The correct shoes are important.
2.  Good friends to support you are even more important.
3.  Finding a good place to run is a big factor.
4.  I am much stronger mentally than thought I was.
5.  Running is a perfect hobby for a control freak.

Let me elaborate!  I have plantar fasciitis and my feet always hurt.  Finding a good running shoe that fit me well, gave me arch support and wearing orthotics are extremely important.  Walking around in flip flops for a day can undo all your progress!  I am a big fan of  Zappos.com for finding shoes.  Free shipping both ways, return anything that doesn't fit right.  No having to go to the mall!

I have always had a big hang up about exercising around other women, especially running.  I haven't ran in front of another girl since high school, and only then because I had to do it for gym class.  I've always HATED running, but had this cool fantasy about being a runner!  In my head, I look great.  In reality, I know better.  HAHA.  I finally got brave enough this week to run with a friend and I am so glad I did it.  She pushed me harder than I ever thought I could go.  I just had this thought in my head that I couldn't stop unless she did, and she didn't.  I am so lucky to have a friend that won't judge me and will support me.

Finding a great place to run is key.  There's a big difference between running on a treadmill and staring at the wall in front of you and a lumpy gravel road that had no shade and too many hills, or a nice shady sidewalk or winding path through town.  I am blessed to live in a town that has an amazing system of trails!  I have a about a mile or so stretch that is fairly flat (I'll get to hills eventually, but right now I am just focused on building up to running a whole 5k) and nice and shady so it really is cooler!  It's also very pretty just to look at, and oh so peaceful.

On my run the other day, I realized that when things got hard in the past, I gave in way too easily because in my heart, I knew I couldn't do it, that I wasn't good enough, whatever.  I was wrong.  I am much tougher and stronger than I ever thought.  Now that I have fully committed to doing this, stopped worrying about what people think of me and just said "I am doing this" I've found that on a run, just take each second.  You can do anything for one more second.

And lastly, I am a HUGE control freak.  Anyone that knows me just snickers.  I am having some issues in my life right now that are completely out of my control.  For a control freak that is the worst feeling ever.  Stressful.  Nightmares.  Blah.  Just awful.  But running helps me feel grounded.  Makes me feel like I've accomplished something.  Makes me feel very much in control.

No matter what you do or why you choose to run, walk or any activity, just get out there and do it!  I'm a little scared for week 5, because the couch to 5k program takes a big leap up this week, but I am going into it with a positive attitude and just going to take it one second at a time!  Praying my feet don't fail me like they have in the past.  *fingers crossed*

I'm Still Alive

Asics Gel- Noosa Tri

Well, I completed week one of couch to 5k!  I am feeling on top of the world!  I decided today to take my workout outside.  I've never really been able to get into running before.  I've always wanted to, but just haven't been able to do it!  I don't know why it's so different this time, but it just is working, so I am sticking with it!  I think a lot of it stems from the fact that my friends are doing this online with me.

My problems with plantar fasciitis are really flaring up, so I decided it was time for some new running shoes.  After lots of online research, talking to friends, consulting LOTS of running sites,  I decided to order the Gel Noosa Tri from Asics.  I know, all of you real runners are groaning and going "what?  you didn't try them on??????"  I know, I know.  I hate going to the store to buy shoes because I always end up feeling so pressured by the sales person that I always end up buying the wrong thing.  So, I like to do my online research, and then buy from Zappos.com.  They have free shipping and then if I hate them, I can send them back for free.  Been shopping there for years.  So, wish me luck that these will be my proverbial glass slipper!

Couch to 5k - Day 1

I did it. I completed day 1 of the Official Couch to 5k app.  For some reason, I really like Sarge yelling at me.  And not only did I finish, but I didn't stop and I am still alive to tell about it.  Don't tell my inner lazy diva, but I actually enjoyed it.    I decided to use the treadmill because I am not really ready to run outside yet. My neighbors are very nice people and they really don't need to be exposed to that.  I did the "walk" part about 3.6-3.8 mph and the job part 5mph. Nothing earth shattering, but I made it through the whole workout without stopping. Whoot whoot. Things I learned today.
1. I like my running shoes - they work well with my feet. I didn't hurt at all.
2. Remember to breathe. I think this is my biggest problem.
3. As soon as I start jogging, I instantly have to poop. WTH?
4. Thank you Stacey! You made a comment the other day about wearing 2 sports bras, and that was the best tip I've even gotten. That's always been my worst problem with running - it hurt because of my boobs. It really wasn't bad at all with wearing two of them!
5.  Having a large mirror right next to your treadmill is very humbling and motivating all at once.
6.  I need to get a headband or something.  I sweat like a pig!  LMAO!

Change In Plans

Well, my friend backed out on me for reasons of her own that I won't go into detail about.  I am REALLY bummed.  I hope that she finds the courage to do a 5k with or without me, though of course, the selfish part of me wishes it was with me.  She's certainly inspired me!  I am still going to start training for this and hope that she will change her mind and re join me.  I hope she knows how very much I love her and what an inspiration she is to so many people.  Love you, M.

But, with or without her, I have to do this for me now.  I have watched too much life pass me by wishing I was someone else.  It's time.  I have had health issues.  Injuries.  Emotional issues.  Guilt issues.  But, I have to get past all of that.  Step by Step.  I have had real things that have prevented me from exercise, but more than that, emotional blocks and a giant pile of excuses.  As of today, I am vowing to myself, no more excuses.   

I am starting slow as I am not very healthy.  I have walked the last three days, building up each day.  I started with 1.5 miles, then went to about 2 miles, and today about 2.5.

Tomorrow I am going to start the couch to 5k program and actually incorporate a little bit of running slowly into it.  I am very overweight so I would advise all of my neighbors to keep their blinds closed for the next few weeks.  This isn't going to be pretty.  I apologize in advance for anything you or your children might be exposed to in the coming weeks.  LOL!  Love you all!  

Couch to 5K Here We Go!!!!!

Download in the iTunes store!

Well, what have I done?  LOL!  I am NOT a runner.  I'd LOVE to be a runner, I just hate running, with a passion.  However, one of my best friends in the entire world lives, give or take, 1500 miles away.  I am in Minnesota, she's in Arizona.  She's been on a very amazing healthy journey the last few years, amazing me every step of the way.  Her determination and drive is VERY inspiring!  However, she's never done a 5k.  One challenge she's always wanted to do, but never done.

She told me if I train with her, online, via the Couch to 5K app we found, she will fly out here in October and we will do our very first 5k together.  How in the heck could I say no?  I always have tons of excuses NOT to exercise - finally I have a very good, very accountable reason.  Since bringing it up, my husband and daughter and several friends have said they will too!  I am so excited to know I am not doing this alone!

I went out today and walked for a mile and a half.  Not a lot, but it's a start!  Look out running, here I come!!!